ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — With free-agent pickup Willis McGahee in the picture, the Broncos clearly will go with a committee at running back.

McGahee and Knowshon Moreno have been splitting repetitions in the first-team offense. But the expectation, at least at this early juncture, is that the bigger, stronger McGahee may assume more of the power-oriented role in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Moreno is decidedly slimmer and appears quicker in camp. The open question is whether he'll be able to sustain a consistent pounding.

McGahee has more of a burst in the open field than one might expect from a 235-pound runner. Still to be determined is what the pecking order will be. Both Moreno and McGahee have taken first-team reps, depending on the down and distance and the offensive packages.

Notes: Free safety Kyle McCarthy was an undrafted free agent last season who eventually made the roster after a practice squad audition, then was injured. But McCarthy has come back determined to shake up the safety ranks. He has begun to see significant snaps with the starters, alongside strong safety Brian Dawkins.

And though rookie Rahim Moore figures to get the majority of No. 1 snaps, the team seems to be grooming McCarthy to play in certain series and perhaps in three-safety dime looks. McCarthy was effective blitzing off the edge in the preseason opener, producing a sack and a QB hit.